2 Thessalonians 2:1-8

These small group studies of Thessalonians contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, and applications. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.

1. And our gathering together to Him – This is another reference to the rapture, which Paul taught about in depth in 1 Thessalonians 4. At this event believers around the world will be gathered together to Christ.

2. That you not be quickly shaken from your composure – There are a lot of false teachers in the world. Ultimately this Satan’s work. God sends his message through the world (believers) to bring people to Himself. Satan sends his message into the world through false teachers to turn people farther and farther away from God. One of his deceptions is that he tells people that Jesus has already returned. Do you know of any cults which teach this? There is a famous cult in China which teaches that Jesus has already returned as a woman in South China. Some of Satan’s attacks are aimed at the world such as atheism. Satan wouldn’t get very far trying to convince committed believers that there is no good. So for the church, he changes tactics. There is a chance he could convince ill-prepared or immature members of the church who don’t know any better that Jesus has already returned. Once he has done this, he won’t stop. Instead he will continue deceiving more and more such as this returned Jesus offers new revelation which contradicts the Scripture. The result will be a group of people which believe in Jesus in name, but in actuality their belief is very far from orthodox. Paul’s exhortation for them and us is to not be quickly shaken or disturbed by this. In other words, be steadfast.

3. Let no one in any way deceive you – If you are deceived by something, are you responsible for it? This verse makes it appear that you are still responsible. Paul says not to let anyone deceive us. We can protect ourselves from being deceived and prevent it from happening. How? Knowing the truth is the best protection against deception. If you know the truth, you will realize it when someone tells you a lie. I could not deceive you that 2 plus 2 equals 3 because you know that is not the case. A person who buys a house protects himself from being deceived by researching homes and the property market instead of just believing the real estate agent. If you are buying insurance, you should study and learn about the various policies and what should expect in order to protect yourself from unscrupulous salesmen. Even when you buy food the wet market (large outdoor markets in China), you can protect yourselves from buying fake food (people may sell fake eggs or white painted mushrooms, etc.) by knowing what fresh and genuine food looks and feels like. To protect yourselves from being misled by false teachers, study the Bible. You have to learn like the believers in Acts 17:11 to study it on your own and often ask yourselves the question “does the Bible say that?” Even if you didn’t read through all the Bible yet you can still ask the Bible teacher to show you from the Bible his source for his opinion. If you hear things that are questionable, don’t make a judgment on it immediately. Instead go home and study the issue for yourself until you can conclude what Scripture really says. In the middle ages the Catholic church did not want people to read and study the Word for themselves. Therefore they punished severely (including death) anyone who tried to translate the Bible into languages other than Latin or people who tried publishing it in the common languages. This was ultimately a scheme of Satan which prevented people from being able to detect false teaching, of which there was much during that time.

4. The apostasy must come first – Apostasy means a falling away from the truth. Many Christians are looking for the antichrist, but this verse makes it clear that before the antichrist there must be apostasy. Paul is saying that in those last days the church or people who once professed Christ will turn away from Scriptural truth. This Scriptural truth includes the essence of the gospel such as Jesus’ manhood and divinity, His virgin birth, His crucifixion and bodily resurrection three days later, the Trinity, 6 day creation, etc. Apostasy would not include the church disagreeing about issues which are a bit vague or unclear such as eschatology. Instead it denotes a falling away from clear Biblical teaching. What then, are some of the signs of apostasy? Is it occurring today? I read an interesting article in which the author wrote a list of a number of areas where people in the church or people who claim to be Christians are falling away from the truth (https://carm.org/apostasy-christian-church) I am copying his list below:

Of course, there are bound to be divisions in the body of Christ and differences of opinions are permitted (Rom. 14:1-12). But, the amount of divisions in the Church is ridiculous and contrary to Col. 3:14.

Whether people like it or not in this politically correct environment, the Bible does not supportwomen as elders or as pastors (1 Tim. 2:12-14; 3:2; Titus 1:5-7). Men are called to be leaders in the church. The fact that women elders and pastors exist is a sign that men are not doing their God-given job.

Also, if you believe in women pastors and elders, do not dismiss this article. You must always examine yourself to see if what you believe is biblical.

Not preaching the gospel per 1 Cor. 15:1-4.

The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for our sins. It is not a message of convenience or embarrassment. Do not be ashamed of the gospel (Rom. 1:16).

Using the Lord’s name in vain, something a surprising number of Christians do.

God’s name and title are to be used only by Christians in a reverent and respectful manner, never in casual exclamation. Just because the sinners do it, does not mean it is okay for the Christians.

Not sending out or failing to support missionaries (or cutting back unnecessarily) in violation of Matt. 28:18-20.

Carrying out the Great Commission is the command of Jesus. Any church that is able to support missionary work and does not, is in direct violation of Christ’s command in the Great Commission.

Marketing and merchandising

Those in ministry should make a living from their labor. Churches should seek to spread the gospel best they can and selling things to do it is acceptable. But, how many trinkets and bobbles are offered in the name of Christ that do not honor God but are merely for the purpose of financial gain? Is the duty of the church business or the gospel? Remember how Jesus cleansed the temple?

Pastors who are more concerned with growing a church than preaching the truth.

Whoever and wherever they are, they need to repent. Pastors must stand on the truth of God’s word, even if it costs them financially and materially.

Pastors who don’t pray and seek God’s face

Of course, this should be rare. But, any pastor who does not seek God’s face in humility is seeking to do a job, not a ministry, under his own power.

Pastors who cave in to pressures from the church in contradiction to the word of God.

Any pastor who does this should repent now or step down from the pulpit. Pastors are to stand upon and for God’s word, no matter what the obstacles or the cost.

Pastors who fail to equip their congregations according to God’s word.

Pastors are called to equip the Christian for the work of the ministry in all aspects of life (Eph. 4:11): apologetics, evangelism, missionary work, prayer, service, love, etc. Far too many congregations are not being equipped with even the basics of Christianity and are instead being taught political correctness.

Pastors who don’t teach damnation.

We are not saying that you must preach fire and brimstone all the time. But the fact is, the gospel that offends no one is not the gospel of the Bible. the truth of the gospel is that people will face damnation. This is part of the Christian message and it should be part of Christian preaching.

Christians gathering teachers to themselves to make them feel good

Is comfort or truth the primary objective for the Christians? Are we divine in nature or sinners saved by grace? Do we deserve to be saved or are we saved by God’s free choice? Christians who want merely to be entertained and comforted from the pulpit are still children. They should be challenged to grow and take risks.

Evolution

Denominations that either adopt evolutionary principles or refuse to take a stand on evolution.”

Fifty years ago in America and perhaps a hundred years ago in Europe the majority of people professed to be Christians. They basically believed the Bible. That has quickly and drastically changed. False teaching has made massive inroads into Western culture and is making inroads into the church. So called churches allow homosexuals to be ordained. The Pope says animals can go to heaven. Seminary teachers deny 6 day creation and embrace evolution. Women are ordained as pastors. The list goes on and on. The clear teaching of Scripture has been tossed aside as the church caves to cultural pressures. Sometimes the church has even strategically compromised in order to “become like the world to win the world.” Even if people are “won” with this strategy they are won to something different that what God intended. It is most obvious in the Catholic church, whose leadership is compromising with the world on more and more issues. But it also is happening more and more regularly in mainline Protestant denominations and even. What can you do about apostasy? How can remain steadfast even as people compromise all around you? (James 1:6-8)

II. Verses 4-9

Discussion Questions

What kind of person would seek to deceive you? Have you ever met any of these false teachers?

What is “it” in this verse refer to?

What is apostasy? Would you say that the apostasy has come yet? Why or why not?

What does the “man of lawlessness” refer to? Why is he called the “son of destruction?”

What will this person do? Has this happened yet?

What does verse 6 mean? What is restraining this man? When does this verse say he will come?

Who is he who now restrains?

How will this epic battle between good and evil end? What lessons can we learn from this ending? Why is the ending so important?

Who is really behind this man of lawlessness’ rise to power? What does verse 9 teach us about Satan?

Cross-References

Revelation 13:1-18 – The beast.

1 John 2:22 – The antichrist denies Father and Son.

1 John 2:18 – Many antichrists have come.

Daniel 7:8 – A mouth speaking great things.

Mark 13:14 – The abomination of desolation.

Teaching Points

1. Man of lawlessness – This figure has a lot of names in Scripture. Can you think of others? Son of destruction, antichrist, the beast, and abomination of desolation are some of his names. He is described clearly in this passage as one whoopposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship. The antichrist will declare himself to be the one true God. Every person of every religion and faith around the world will be required to worship him. We will see in verse 9 that this will be Satan’s doing. Thus this chapter reveals part of Satan’s endgame to us. From the beginning he revolted against God because he wanted to be God instead of worshipping God. He wanted the glory and power for himself. For a brief period in the future he will appear to get it. His pride and ego know no bounds. At this point the temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem (or he couldn’t seat himself in the temple) and he will sit (probably on a throne) there and display himself as God. Daniel 7:8 shows that he is the great boaster. He will utter blasphemy against God like no other. Revelation 13 shows us more about this beast.

A. He will receive a “fatal” wound and be healed (13:3). It appears this will be Satan’s attempt to imitate the resurrection.

B. The whole earth will follow him. It will partially be this miracle healing which will convince them (13:3)

C. They will also worship the dragon, which appears to be Satan and from which the beast receives his power (13:4).

D. He will speak great blasphemy and arrogant things (13:5).

E. His rule is limited to three and a half years (13:5)

F. He will make war with the saints and win (13:7)

G. Every unbeliever will worship him (13:8)

H. He will perform great signs (13:13)

I. He will make an image (13:14)

J. This image will miraculously be able to speak and will kill those who don’t worship it (13:15)

H. He will make everyone get the mark of the beast if they want to buy and sell (13:16-17)

2. While I was still with you, I was telling you things – The Thessalonians needed reminders. Paul had taught them this before. But after he left, it appears false teachers came in and confused them. They needed to be reassured and reminded of what they had already been taught. It is very important for Bible teachers to follow Paul’s example of reminding and review. It is not enough to teach something once and then forget about it. If something is taught only once it probably will be forgotten. Gentleness and patience are required to keep reminding instead of becoming exasperated when the lesson is forgotten.

3. And you know what restrains him now – Well, the Thessalonians knew, but I’m not so sure I know. What restrains the antichrist? Some say it is the church, which will be removed at the rapture allowing Satan to move forward with his plans. Some say it is human government. Some say it is the Holy Spirit (or the Holy Spirit through the church), who will reduce His presence after the rapture or completely leave. My personal opinion (and it is just an opinion because it is not clear), is that this refers to the Holy Spirit. I don’t believe that people in the church can restrain Satan or the antichrist who are too powerful for us. Even Michael had his hands full with Satan. The only one who can do this is God. I don’t believe that the Holy Spirit will completely abandon the world after the rapture, but will instead act in a similar role to that which He had in the Old Testament. At that time He did not indwell all believers. This indwelling of all believers began at Pentecost. In the Old Testament He had more of a background role. He did come upon or rest upon people for a period of time to enable them to accomplish their God-given mission. Whether or not this restraining force is the church or the Spirit, it is sure that God is responsible for it and chooses to remove it in His perfect timing.

Satan and his minions (the mystery of lawlessness) are already at work. Evil is at work in this world. The good news for us is that God does not allow the evil to continue unchecked. If God were to leave the world and its people to themselves (as some claim He has done), it would be a FAR bleaker and more corrupt society than it is right now. It is God’s grace. In what ways does God restrain evil?

A. Philippians 2:15 – He restrains evil through believers, who are His lights in the world. Believers preach God’s message to the world, which influences even people who don’t believe in Him to do what is right. For example, a person who has a dirty mouth may control himself while around his Christian relatives whom he knows do not approve of it. How can you be a light in the dark and help to restrain evil around you?

B. Romans 13:1-4 – Government is established by God as a deterrent to sin and a force which upholds order and generally the common good.

C. Jude 1:7-8 – Through direct punishment of people or angels who go beyond the limit. These angelic beings were not allowed to continue wreaking havoc and spreading their evil. God may decide to immediately judge anyone anytime and anywhere.

4. Whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth – All of the world will worship and follow the antichrist. Some will do it because they truly believe him. Many will likely do it out of fear. Through manipulation, signs, and threats the antichrist will draw all non-believers to himself. He will be the single most powerful ruler the world has ever seen. All the armies of the earth will be at his disposal. The very most advanced weapons will all be his. He will have more than enough firepower to wipe out the entire earth’s population. Jesus will return for an epic battle of the ages. Only this battle will not be like the give and take, up and down conflicts which you may see on the movies. Though the buildup to this battle will be riveting, the actual battle will be over almost as soon as it begins. As soon as Jesus returns He will slay this antichrist will the breath of his mouth. As powerful as he was, his threat to Jesus is even less than an ant is to us. See Psalm 2:4

5. Jesus’ power – I almost got goose-bumps when I wrote the above paragraph. It is thrilling to know Jesus’ power. As powerful as Satan is, if you believe in Christ you have nothing to be afraid of. His power is immense and his glory is spectacular. How exciting it will be for all of the saints who have a front row seat to this event to witness Jesus’ monumental victory over his enemies!

Application: What applications can you make from our lesson today? Why is Jesus’ great power important to your life today? How should it change how we act and the decisions we make?